Wet cough in First Nations children webinar

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are significantly overrepresented in chronic respiratory disease statistics, with conditions such as chronic wet cough, protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB), chronic suppurative lung disease (CSLD), and bronchiectasis disproportionately affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Alarmingly, there is a 22-year mortality gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians with bronchiectasis. Chronic wet cough is an early warning sign of these diseases and, if left untreated, can lead to long-term and irreversible lung damage. However, with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, disease progression can often be halted or even reversed. Health care professionals working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are uniquely positioned to provide early intervention and treatment in a culturally sensitive way.

This one-hour webinar features leading experts including A/Prof Julie Marchant, Dr Pamela Laird, and Prof Maree Toombs, who together explore the latest evidence and clinical strategies to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children experiencing chronic wet cough. The session provides critical insights into the importance of early and accurate diagnosis, evidence-based treatment pathways, and culturally safe care practices.

Health professionals will gain valuable knowledge on how to identify respiratory conditions commonly missed or misdiagnosed in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, implement guideline-recommended care for chronic wet cough and related conditions, and ensure appropriate follow-up, especially after hospitalisation with chest infections. Additionally, the webinar highlights the key enablers and barriers that impact effective care delivery and explores the role of culturally secure practice in paediatric respiratory care.

This session is essential viewing for clinicians seeking to improve their understanding of chronic respiratory disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and ensure their clinical practice supports better long-term health outcomes for children and families. Watch now to strengthen your skills, support early intervention, and contribute to closing the gap in respiratory health for future generations.